Veteran Politician Makes Landshift to TVK
In a significant political development in Tamil Nadu, expelled AIADMK leader and nine-time MLA K A Sengottaiyan formally joined actor-politician Vijay's Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) on Thursday in Chennai. This move marks the end of Sengottaiyan's remarkable 53-year association with the M G Ramachandran-founded AIADMK.
Vijay Welcomes Political Veteran
The induction ceremony was personally led by TVK founder Vijay, who warmly welcomed the 77-year-old politician, referring to him affectionately as "Anna" (elder brother). Vijay highlighted Sengottaiyan's extensive political journey, noting that he had joined the AIADMK at the age of 20 and earned the trust of both legendary leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa.
In a video message following the event, Vijay stated: "Sengottaiyan joined with MGR's at the age of 20, having earned his trust. At that young age, he took on the significant responsibility of becoming an MLA. Within that movement, he was someone trusted by both the great leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa in the political arena."
The ceremonial aspect of the joining included Vijay presenting Sengottaiyan with the distinctive yellow-red shawl that symbolizes the TVK party.
Strategic Significance and Regional Impact
This political acquisition comes at a crucial time, with next year's Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu approaching rapidly. TVK insiders revealed to news agencies that Sengottaiyan's presence is expected to significantly strengthen the party's position in the Kongu region, particularly in the eight Assembly constituencies within Erode district, which is Sengottaiyan's home territory.
Vijay's statement also signaled that the party would welcome Sengottaiyan's loyalists who were similarly expelled from the AIADMK. "After having remained in the same movement for 50 years, I warmly welcome brother Sengottaiyan along with everyone who has joined him to work with us," Vijay added, emphasizing his confidence that the veteran's political experience and decades of field work would substantially benefit TVK.
Prior to his formal induction into TVK, Sengottaiyan had resigned from his position as MLA representing the Gobichettipalayam constituency on November 26, clearing the path for his transition to the new party.
Background of Expulsion from AIADMK
Sengottaiyan's departure from AIADMK was not voluntary initially. The veteran leader was expelled from the Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party on October 31 last month. The expulsion resulted from his meetings with sacked AIADMK leaders O P Panneerselvam, T T V Dhinakaran, and Palaniswami's aunt V K Sasikala, where he advocated for their re-induction into the party.
Following Sengottaiyan's removal, the AIADMK leadership took further action by expelling 14 loyalists of the nine-time MLA, demonstrating a comprehensive purge of his influence from the party he had served for over five decades.
